The Saxon origins of the county town of Staffordshire are still visible in the extensive earthworks close to the Castle and the foundations of a tiny chapel in the grounds of St Mary's Church.

Stafford Castle is the impressive site of a Norman fortress where visitors can follow the castle trail wander around the medieval herb garden and explore the visitor centre built in the style of a Norman Guardhouse.

Stafford originally had a medieval town wall and evidence of it can still be seen today in the names of the town's main streets. However only East Gate remains of the structure.

Stafford lies on the banks of the River Sow and Green Bridge marks the site of the ancient ford across the river. There has been a bridge on this spot since the late 13th century but the gate in the town's medieval walls that was also at this point was demolished in 1777.

Just to the east of the Bridge is Victoria Park opened in 1908 and later extended to incorporate land reclaimed from the River Sow. There are many pleasant walks through the park in particular to the Windmill at Broad Eye. Built in 1796 by John Wright the mill moved over to stream power in 1847 and continues to be used until 1880.

 

Many picturesque cobbled lanes still remain and of particular note Church Lane with its timbered buildings and Mill Street with a varied array of shops, restaurants and pubs.

The Ancient High House a beautiful Elizabethan house built in 1595 that is in fact the largest timber-framed town house in England. Through painstaking efforts over several years, Stafford Borough Council have restored this amazing piece of architecture to its former glory.

Not surprisingly the house has royal connections with both King Charles I and Prince Rupert having stayed here in 1642.

The Shire Hall Gallery on the market square was the town courthouse and still retains the original panelled courtrooms.

Collegiate Church of St Mary an unusual building which dates in part from the last 12th century but has received additions in the early English, Gothic and Victorian styles. The huge tower arches in the nave seem to divide the building into two churches under one roof. The nave was the parish church of Stafford with its own altar while the chancel beyond was used by the Deans of the College of St Mary whose duty it was to pray for deceased members of the Royal family.

 

Although the College was abolished in 1548 the screens which divided the Church remained until 1841 and today the Church is still referred to as the Collegiate. Sir Izaak Walton was baptized here on 21st September 1593 and his bust can be seen on the north wall of the nave.

 

St Mary's Mews dates back to the mid 19th Century and is a Grade II listed building. the architect was the renowned Gilbert Scott the famous church restorer of the 1850's. While visiting Stafford to do some work on St Mary's Church Gilbert Scott was asked to design St Mary's schoolhouse.